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Zoey Zhang

A man in Japan is dating his classmate’s 83-year-old grandmother, and their relationship has won the support of both families.
The couple went viral on social media after they were interviewed on the street.
In a video, 23-year-old Kofu lovingly holds hands with Aiko, whose sweet voice, painted nails and stylish short hair make her look much younger than her years.
Aiko revealed that their anniversary is on Valentine’s Day, meaning they have been dating for more than six months.
According to the online news outlet, 8Days, Aiko used to be a horticulturist and owned a large botanical garden.

She is understood to have been married twice and has a son, a daughter and five grandchildren. After her divorce, she lived with her son’s family.
Aiko follows a healthy lifestyle, dresses carefully and carries herself with elegance, which helps her maintain a youthful appearance.
Kofu is nearing graduation from university and is currently an intern at a creative design company.
In the video, Kofu says that he and Aiko’s granddaughter are classmates.
It was during a visit to her house that he fell in love with Aiko at first sight.
Aiko felt the same: “Kofu has a healthy appetite and is very gentle. I have never met such a lively young man. I was drawn to him.”
However, the pair initially hesitated to express their feelings because of their age gap.

The turning point came during a trip to Disneyland organised by Aiko’s granddaughter, who later pulled out, leaving just the two of them.
Kofu told Aiko of his feelings for her while they were gazing at Cinderella Castle at sunset.
“At that moment, I was completely enchanted,” Aiko said.
The couple now lives together, though they have not revealed whose home they share.
Reports suggest they had been secretly dating for some time, and once their relationship became public, both families offered their support.
While the couple has not discussed marriage, Kofu said that the happiest part of his day is waking up to see his girlfriend’s face.
“She is small and looks up at me. Sometimes, she leans on me, and it is impossible to resist,” he said.
Aiko said that she feels lonely when Kofu goes to work, but cooking for him energises her.
“He also brushes my teeth before bed,” she added.
Their love story has caused a buzz online, but opinions about their relationship are deeply divided.
One netizen said: “Aiko’s energy and way of speaking do not match what you would expect from a grandmother. She seems more like a young woman in love.”

“They might share a more platonic, spiritual connection. Everyone has the right to seek true love,” wrote another.
However, another online observer said: “The age gap is too wide for them to have much in common.”
“I find it hard to believe in this love story, but if they truly love each other without any hidden motives, I wish them the best,” said a fourth person.
Unconventional relationships with age gaps often capture the public’s attention.
In June, an e-commerce entrepreneur from southeastern China married her son’s Russian classmate and revealed she was pregnant.
The couple has a more than 20-year age difference and a height gap of 30cm.


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Japan man, 23, in love with classmate’s grandma, 83; couple live together with family blessings

A 23-year-old man in Japan has attracted online attention for dating his classmate’s grandmother, who is 83. Photo: SCMP composite/tripadvisor/IG@mapm147


83-year-old Aiko and her much younger lover went viral after they were interviewed on the street. Photo: 8days

University student Kofu says the happiest part of his day is when he wakes up and sees Aiko’s face. Photo: 8days

The couple confessed their love for each other on a visit to Tokyo Disneyland. Photo: Getty Images

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Unlikely couple confess love for each other during Disneyland visit but fairy tale relationship divides online opinion


Unlikely couple confess love for each other during Disneyland visit but fairy tale relationship divides online opinion.


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